Sweet September

You can give wildlife an autumn and winter boost by growing late-flowering nectar plants, says Hazel Sillver, and now is the time to get them in the ground

- Hazel Sillver

NOW is the ideal time to plant late nectar sources to help pollinators in autumn and winter. When food sources are scarce, resident bees and butterflies must feed to see them through the freeze, and those that migrate must find the fuel to fly many miles. With a generous supply of nectar, your garden gives them a helping hand, and ensures you see wildlife all year round.

Hibernators and migrators

For wildlife that head overseas in autumn (such as the painted lady butterfly, which flies to Africa) or disappear into nests to hibernate, it’s important to fatten up in August and September. Ensure they have the nourishment they need by planting late-blooming nectar plants now.

Perennials such as helenium, eupatorium, agastache and liatris are laden with nectar when they bloom in late summer and early autumn, lengthening the flower power of a border and luring bees and butterflies. Likewise, single dahlias – such as ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’ and ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ – attract pollinators and extend the summer bloom. All can be planted now, as can late-flowering nectar shrubs such as buddleja, bluebeard and Escallonia bifida. Climbing ivy provides a glut of late food for bees when it’s allowed to climb (it won’t bloom when grown as ground cover).

Winter feeders

Birds also need help finding food during the chilly months. Berries and rose hips give them the sustenance to survive winter (ivy berries have the same calorie content as chocolate), and add muchneeded colour to the garden.